SAFETY DANCE

“Much of the add-on stuff for compliance is superfluous to primary safety requirements”

Eric Waples, Albion Park, NSW

IT COULD be said that the Wheels exposé on the shortfalls of the existing ANCAP system in Australia (ANCAP ‘falling behind’ on safety, June) is in itself deserving of five stars.

From new-car dealer sales being compromised by illinformed and/or prejudicial promotion of its own findings, to heavy vehicle/light vehicle impact not being defined, the standard is found wanting.

As stated, much of the add-on stuff to qualify for compliance, such as hill-start assist, is superfluous to primary safety requirements. One system that should be mandatory in this modern world of distracted drivers (read mobile telephones, in-car digital and/ or hard copy directories) is the lane-departure warning system. A definite life saver for fatigued drivers as well, this device surely rates higher than a rear seatbelt warning light.

Although peripheral to occupant safety, much importance is placed by motornoters on reversing cameras.

But, like fences around swimming pools, they are not infallible when it comes to straying infant children. The ultimate responsibility, as always, remains with the driver.

“Much of the add-on stuff for compliance is superfluous to primary safety requirements”